Flood Preparedness Guide

Floods can happen anywhere and anytime due to various reasons such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, coastal storm surges, dam failure, levee breach, etc. Preparing for floods early on is important because they can cause damage to property and even loss of life. Here's what you need to know when it comes to preparing your home and family for flooding:

Prevention:

• Clean out gutters regularly so water isn’t building up around your house
• Install downspouts if they don’t exist already since these help drain excess water away from your foundation
• Check for cracks in windows and walls which could let water seep into them
• If there are low areas near where your home sits, fill those with gravel or other materials to improve the ground slope
• Consider using sand bags around the perimeter of your home during high risk times like hurricane season.

Emergency Readiness:

• Know how to shut off utilities—water, gas, and electricity should all have their own switches somewhere onsite or nearby; make sure everyone knows where they are located ahead of time.
• Make copies of important documents, store them in secure locations, and keep records updated online too just in case you’re unable to access paper records in person after a big disaster hits.
• Have extra supplies ready including flashlights, batteries, bottled drinking water, nonperishable food items, first aid kit, manual can opener, blankets / sleeping bags, clothing appropriate for cold weather conditions, spare medicine & prescriptions needed by individuals within household.
• Ensure each member has proper identification cards and birth certificates handy.

When actual flooding occurs:

• Move furniture in higher places away from potential flood waters, especially electronics, valuables etc.
• Gather small pets indoors before evacuation takes place whether done voluntarily or involuntarily.
• Create barriers wherever possible between indoor spaces connected together via doorways using towels or plastic sheeting.
• Turn off electrical power sources inside homes prior leaving premises unless instructed otherwise by emergency responders arriving on scene, ensuring that all lights remain switched off except one designated room used solely for communication purposes.
• Close all window coverings tightly upon exiting building(s) on foot while wearing protective gear such rubber boots over shoes, goggles worn over eyeglasses / contact lenses for eye protection.
• Follow directions given by local public officials regarding relocation sites once outside primary residence area(s).

The above steps will help ensure that your family stays safe during flooding events. Remember to always listen to local authorities and stay prepared!